Tuner for string instruments



Sept. 13, 1938. G. A. PEATE 2,130,248

TUNER FOR STRING INSTRUMENTS Filed Jan. 2, 1937 5 /2 Z I llr dummmuu Ll t 2 I0 I I F: q. l

Patented Sept. 13. 1938 UNITED STATES.

PATENT OFFICE TUNER FOR STRING INSTRUMENTS Application January 2, 1937, Serial No. 118,866

5 Claims.

This invention relates to the tuning of string instruments and particularly to providing means whereby the various strings of such instruments can be accurately tuned by mechanical adjust- 5 ment and without any requirement of tuning by sound as hitherto commonly employed.

The object of the invention is to provide for string instruments ja visual indicator of the tension of a string which when properly adjusted 10 will result in the production of the tone required for the string with accuracy, rapidly and with ease.

' A further object is to replace the uncertainty of unskilled tuning by ear and substitute a tested 15 reliable mechanical adjustment.

This application covers a number of improvements over the invention of my Patent No. 2,079,196 dated February 16, 1937.

Reference is made to the accompanying draw- 20 ing in which- Figure 1 is a side view of a guitar mounted with the invention.

Figure 2 is a top View of one form of the mechanical features as applied to a guitar.

25 Figure 3 is a side view of the same.

Figure 4 is an end view as seen from the bridge.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the form of the adjustment rod shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The instrument I has the usual tuning keys I 30 at its upper end, and bridge l2. Secured to the lower end II is a metal plate 20 with a series of perforations 2| in the part projecting above the surface of the instrument I. In the perforations 2| are a series of screws 22 which rotate freely 35 therein. Each screw 22 after passing through a perforation 2| is screwed into the end of a coil spring 3, which is thus secured in position to the instrument I. A series of rods 4 which have threaded ends 40 are screwed into the opposite 40 ends of the coil springs 3. The rods 4 are also screw threaded for some distance beyond their junction with coil springs 3. Mounted on the threaded portion of the rods 4 are blocks shown in the form of cylinders, which are freely mov- 45 able on the rods 4. Adjustment nuts 4| meshing with the threaded rods 4 on either side of the blocks 5 provide a means of very accurate adjustment of the position of the blocks 5 0n the rods 4. Other means of adjustment of the blocks 50 5 on the rods 4 may be employed within the scope of this invention. The blocks 5 are marked with marking lines 50. On the surface of the instrument or on a transparent plate I mounted above the rods 4 is a fixed transverse marking 56 line 10. The rods 4 are provided with means to secure the ends of the strings 6. As shown in Figure 5 the rods 4 have pointed ends 43, and slots 42 connected by central bores 44, which widen towards the end 43. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a cover plate 2 secured to the end plate 5 20 extends over the springs 3 and rods 4. A rectangular opening 23 in the plate 2 has a slideway 24, in which a transparent plate 1 slides transversely on the plate 2. This plate I carries the marking line on its lower surface and is 10 secured in position on the plate 2 by the setscrew H. The front end of the plate 2 is supported on legs 25 secured through felt pads 26 to the surface of the instrument I, and is thereby adjustable as to height. The front edge of the plate 2 may have a felt pad 21 across its lower surface. The plate 2 may in some cases be dis pensed with, and when this is done, the marking line ID is placed on the surface of the instrument below the rods 4. By having the transparent plate 1 adapted to slide over the aperture 23, access to the blocks 5 and adjustment nuts 4| is provided, should readjustment be required.

It is to be specially noted that from the bridge |2 to the end plate 20, the strings, rods and springs are entirely free from contact with anything. This prevents any jarring 0r rattling in the instrument.

The mode of operation is as follows:

When the device has been mounted on an in- 30 strument and the proper strings 6 have been inserted between the rods 4 and the tuning keys ID. The strings 6 are carefully and accurately tuned by sound in the usual way. The blocks 5 are then adjusted on the rods 4 with their marking lines 50 in line with the marking line 10, and secured in this position by the nuts 4|. The instrument is then set for use and can leave the factory. As long as the marking lines 50 coincide with the marking line 10 the strings will be in correct tune. Should a string become loose or break its spring 3 will draw its block 5 and marking line 58 out of alignment. A broken string is replaced when necessary and the loose string is then tightened by its key ll] until its marking line 50 is brought to coincide with the marking line 10. The string will then be under the proper tension to produce its correct note.

This action is purely mechanical and is not dependent on sound. It can be carried out when or where sounds are inaudible.

What I claim is:

1. In a tuning device for stringed musical instruments, a tail piece secured to the instrument,

a fixed transverse marking line on the instrument, a series of tension coil springs secured to the tail piece at one end, rods secured to the springs at the other end, strings secured to the rods, a portion of the rods screw threaded, bored markers on the rods free of the threading, and nuts meshing with the rods on each side of the markers.

2. In a tuning device for stringed musical instruments, a tail piece having a fixed mark, tension coil springs and rods, the springs secured at one end to the tail piece and at the other end to rods, strings secured to the rods, a portion of the rods screw threaded, bored markers on the rods free of the threading, and nuts meshing with the rods on each side of the markers.

3. In a tuning device for stringed musical instruments, a tail piece secured to the instrument at one end, having a transverse opening at the other end, a removable translucent plate mounted to slide over the opening, a transverse marking line on the plate, tension coil springs secured at one end to the tail piece, rods secured to the springs at the other end under the plate, strings secured to the rods, a portion of the rods screw threaded, bored markers on the rods free of the threading, and nuts meshing with the rods on each side of the markers.

4. In a tuning device for stringed musical instruments, a tail piece having a. bent extension secured to the instrument at one end, having an opening across the tail piece at the other end, a removable translucent plate mounted to slide over the opening having a transverse marking line on its lower surface, a series of tension coil springs secured to the extension of the tail piece at one end, rods secured to the springs at the other end, Strings secured to the rods, and adjustable markers mounted on the rods free from the tail piece, adapted to be adjusted over the fixed marking line.

5. In a tuning device for stringed musical instruments, a tail piece having a bent extension secured to the instrument at one end, having an opening in the tail piece across the other end, a removable translucent plate mounted to slide over the opening having a transverse marking line on its lower surface, a series of tension coil springs secured to the extension by screws through perforations in its edge and in which they rotate freely, a series of rods secured to the springs, strings secured to the rods, a portion of the rods screw threaded, bored markers on the rods free of the threading and nuts to adjust the position of the markers on the rods.

GEORGE A. PEA'I'E. 

